Though individual requirements for merit badges may not be modified or substituted, youth with disabilities may be approved for alternative badges they can complete. This is allowable on the basis of one entire badge for another. To qualify, a Scout or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout must have a permanent physical or mental disability, or a disability expected to last more than two years, or beyond age 18. The member does not need to be registered beyond the age of eligibility with a disability code. Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle required merit badges as possible. Any alternates must present the same challenge and learning level as those they replace, and must be completed by the 18th birthday. If physical activity is involved, a physician must approve it.

Upon finishing the Eagle-required merit badges that are possible, the Scout, with his parent or guardian, reviews the detailed requirements covered in the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges. The completed application is sent to the council advancement committee. It must be accompanied by supporting letters from the unit leader, a parent or guardian, and the member (if possible), as well as a written statement from a qualified health professional related to the nature of the disability. This may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate. Statements must describe the disability; cover the Scout’s capabilities, limitations, and prognosis; and outline why the merit badge(s) cannot be completed. Additional information such as Individualized Education Plans provided to parents by schools, and various treatment summaries and reports, may help an advancement committee make an informed decision. All alternate badges should be included on just one form.

Normally, it is expected that youth with moderate learning disorders, ADD, ADHD, and similar conditions, can—albeit more slowly—earn the required merit badges.

The advancement committee reviews the application, using the expertise of professionals involved with youth who have disabilities. To make a fair determination, the committee may want to interview the Scout, his parent(s) or guardian(s), and the unit leader. The committee’s decision should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and the unit leader.

The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternative merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated. See the Guide to Advancement, topic 10.2.2.3, for details.

The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than of a temporary nature (or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond the 18th birthday). This request must include a written statement from a qualified health-care professional related to the nature of the disability. This person may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate.

Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible. Any alternatives must present the same challenge and learning level as those they replace, and must be completed by the 18th birthday.

Obtain a clear and concise statement related to the nature of the disability from a qualified health-care professional.

The unit leader meets with the candidate and his parent or guradian to determine the alternative merit badges to replace those impeding his progression.

The unit leader, parent or guardian, and the Scout (if possible) prepare supporting letters to accompany the application.

The district and council advancement committees, in turn, review the proposed alternative merit badges. They may choose to speak with the Scout, his parent or guardian, or unit leader. If the council advancement committee approves, then the candidate may start work on the merit badges. Note: In approving the application, the district and council advancement committees must utilize the expertise of a health-care professional involved with youth who have disabilities.

Upon completion of the Eagle Scout rank requirements, using the alternative merit badges, the candidate appears before a board ofreview. This approved application must be attached to the Eagle Scout Rank Application.

Following a successful board of review, the council processes both applications and forwards them to the national Advancement Team. Local council action on alternative merit badges does not require national approval.

The Purpose of the Eagle Scout Award

A recipient of the Eagle Scout Award is a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified Venturer or Sea Scout who applies the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. He has achieved the qualities below with determination and persistence. • Capacity for leadership and a concern for others • Ability to help others through skills he has learned • Ability to live and work cooperatively with others by meeting his responsibility to his unit • Concern for self by improving his physical fitness to the limits of his resources